ROXBURY, NJ - Some Roxbury police officers are currently in training to help patrol the waters of Lake Hopatcong this summer, said Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone.

It will be the Roxbury Police Department's second year of working with the Morris County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Marine Patrol Unit. Police officers from towns surrounding Lake Hopatcong join those from the Sheriff's Office in augmenting State Police summer patrols of the lake.

"We began partnering with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for the Lake Hopatcong initiative last June (2023)," said the chief. He said Roxbury Police Cpt. Sean Hefferon "came up with the idea and spearheaded the effort."  

Under the partnership, local police department officers accompany those from the Sheriff's Office for the patrols.

"Last year, we had seven officers participate in the detail," Adone said. "They were scheduled on their days off for 4-hour shifts, so it didn't affect the manpower on the road. The initial year was a success, and we will partner with the Sheriff’s Department in the same capacity again in 2024."

He said seven officers "signed up" to participate this year and are now in training.

"They are in the process of passing their swim tests, and we will begin the detail in late May," the chief said, noting the officers will participate on Thursdays through Sundays until the end of the summer. A schedule will be created once the swim tests are completed, Adone said.

“Partnering with the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit has been a great opportunity for our officers to see a different aspect of law enforcement and has strengthened the relationship with the MCSO," commented the chief. "Roxbury does not oversee a large portion of Lake Hopatcong - as some of the other local towns do - but we are still a lake community and have a vested interest in the activities and programs that take place on the lake.”

Roxbury Councilman Mark Crowley said he thinks the Roxbury officers' willingness to join the Sheriff's Office Marine Unit is a great thing.

"I think it's very exciting that we have that presence," he said. "One of the keys to that is we're trying to pass a noise ordinance. I believe Hopatcong (Borough) has a noise ordinance right now. I should say it's more a nuisance ordinance ... What they're really looking for are people that just don't quiet down and get the message that the lake is for everyone. We're trying to find a way to resolve that issue."

Officials are also discussing increased boating safety education within the township - including with Roxbury schools, noted Adone and Roxbury Councilman Shawn Potillo.

"We're going to start with Eisenhower (Middle School) this year," Potillo said. "It's almost like a touch-and-feel program. We'll bring a boat and talk to everyone about it, which will then dovetail into a boating safety certificate course ... for Roxbury kids."

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Author : Fred J. Aun

Source Url : https://www.tapinto.net/towns/roxbury/sections/police-and-fire/articles/roxbury-police-continue-lake-hopatcong-patrol-service

News Source : https://www.tapinto.net/towns/roxbury/sections/police-and-fire/articles/roxbury-police-continue-lake-hopatcong-patrol-service